The internationalization process: A contextual analysis of Indian ibusiness firms

Abstract

The dynamic world we live in requires that traditional international business theories be revisited to obtain insights into the internationalization of emerging market ibusiness firms (EMIFs). Research states that an ibusiness firm’s internationalization process is distinct and faster because users co-create content through interactions among themselves to generate value for the firm. However, it is unclear how EMIFs become credible global players within a short period despite being late arrivals in the market and having fewer resources. Drawing on insights from the linkage, leverage, and learning (LLL) framework, this research aims to understand the internationalization process of EMIFs from India by adopting a multiple case study–based approach whereby we conducted multiple in-depth interviews with 14 Indian ibusiness firms. This study contributes to the extant literature on ibusiness internationalization by developing a framework to advance our understanding of the internationalization process for EMIFs. Further, the study contributes to the LLL framework by offering novel additions to the three aspects of linkage, leverage, and learning, thereby, extending LLL framework to the ibusiness firms.